Science in Videos (SciVid)

Materials science and engineering is not a new field of study. Yet it is still among the least known majors among the general public.

One way to engage the public is through short videos. These can be hosted on YouTube and viewed through social media to highlight the influence materials science has on our society.

SciVid is seeking scientists to develop high-impact videos to generate a broader interest in materials science while competing for recognition and prizes. We are seeking videos that can teach, explain, amaze, amuse or fascinate! The only thing the video shouldn’t do is sell or promote a commercial product, facility or service.

Eligibility

This competition is open to anyone who is passionate about Materials Science and Engineering. MRS membership or attendance is not required.

Contest Requirements

Make a two-minute video covering only one materials science-related topic. This can be a cutting-edge research topic or a fundamental concept.

Explain the effect of the topic on our society.

Maximum length: two minutes

Use an English-speaking narrator.

Include inspiring background music.

Use animation, graphics, and demonstration in the video, in general a creative method of conveying the message.

End the video with a sentence that ends with “… materials science and engineering makes it possible.”

Voice over (first person narration) or journalist/reporter style (following the experiment-in-progress and talking “live” into the camera) is accepted. However, interview style video is NOT accepted

Only one entry per individual or group of people. However, multiple entries from one institute are accepted.

The purpose of this competition is to promote Materials Science and no advertisement of any kind is accepted. However, mentioning the name of educational institutes is allowed.

Professional films that are developed with the aid of a film production company are accepted.

Judging

The contest will be judged by a panel of professionals with science, communications and art background. Entries will be judged based on creativity, inspiration of videos and adherence to criteria explained above for this competition.

Popular Voting

In November, the submissions will be judged by a panel to determine the top finalists that will be posted on the MRS YouTube Channel. Public viewing and voting will occur digitally on the MRS YouTube Channel beginning November 20th. The video with the highest number of YouTube “likes” on MRS YouTube Channel will win the People’s Choice Award. YouTube likes on any other version of the videos posted on different YouTube channels/Facebook or other social media will not be considered.

The finalist videos will also be featured at the 2017 MRS Fall Meeting in a display at the Public Outreach Center and at several locations throughout the Meeting.

Suggestions from the Judges

Use video-editing software.

Consider using a tripod to avoid shaky hand videos.

Collaborate with communications, art or media design departments or a similar department at your university to create a good quality video.

Use a professional camera, drones or any creative way of capturing the video.

Use a good microphone and record in a quiet environment since extraneous noise can be challenging to edit or mix out.

The best videos are those that viewers cannot stop thinking about!

How to Submit

Fill out the Official Entry Form (will be available on September 15, 2017) for applicants and email it to anasori@drexel.edu. You will need to include a downloadable link to your video (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).

Contest Timeline

September 15, 2017—Submission opens

October 30, 2017—Deadline at 11:59 pm EST on October 30, 2017. The link to your video should stay active until December 1, 2017.

November 20, 2017—Top finalists will be announced for public voting. The finalists will also be notified via email and the information on public voting will be provided to them.

November 20 to November 28—Public voting on the MRS YouTube Channel

November 29, 2017—The winners will be announced at the MRS Fall Meeting in Boston.